Monday, August 7, 2017

Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro, Tagaytay

To be honest, I had second thoughts about sharing this Japanese restaurant that we found in Tagaytay City a few weeks back as I wanted to keep it for myself and to the rest of the people who consider it as their best-kept secret restaurant. Tagaytay is a very crowded place nowadays and getting a table in the popular restaurants in the city can take about 15 to 30 minutes of your time. But then again, Aozora is too good to be kept a secret for way too long so I'm sharing this anyway. The restaurant have limited tables only so it is advisable to book ahead of your arrival.

Situated on the the highest level of Domicillo Design Hotel, Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro's al fresco dining commands an uninterrupted view of Taal lake. Too bad it was raining hard that afternoon so we got seated inside instead. Don't let the photos fool you though, we just arrived early hence the vacant tables but most of those were already reserved as told by the staff.

On the table

Perfect drink for Tagaytay's cold weather: piping hot Japanese green tea. You have to ask the staff for it as they don't offer it freely but yes, its complimentary and refillable.

We were also served sweet, spicy and crunchy dilis for appetizers that were
really good I had to ask CS for his share because mine was wiped out in
seconds! Also comes free and unlimited.

Futo Maki - Php290.00

How could you serve Futo Maki with no Unagi?? Way too overpriced when you use shrimp instead of Japanese eel. We'll never order this again so on to the next meal!

Spicy Tuna Maki - Php260.00

As CS is not keen on spicy food, its a relief that Aozora's Spicy Tuna Maki is not too hot with just the right amount of kick to excite the taste buds. I also appreciate the chef's generosity of overflowing tuna that you can barely see the rice especially on a top view.

Chirashi - Php490.00

My bowl of happiness: pairings of maguro (tuna), sake (salmon), saba (mackerel), tako (octopus), kani (crabstick), tamago (egg) and uni (sea urchin) over perfectly cooked Japanese rice with minced pickled ginger. I consider this as my no-brainer order with all the fresh sushi placed on top of the other, a beautiful chaos indeed. A must-try for sushi lovers!

Classy interiors, amazing view of Taal, value for money Japanese dishes and outstanding service -- hands down our favorite restaurant in Tagaytay!